Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes is on his way to London to complete a move to Arsenal, according to latest reports in Daily Mail.
The 22-year-old has established himself as a regular starter for the French club making 24 appearances this season and scored a solitary goal. He also featured in all of Lille’s Champions League fixtures.
The report in Daily Mail claims that Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Gabriel Magalhaes with the centre-back on his way to London to finalize his £27m transfer. However the youngster will have to spend 14 days in quarantine before joining his new teammates. France is on the quarantine list of UK and anyone coming in from outside will have to self-quarantine for a period of 2 weeks.
It further claims that the North London club faced competition from Napoli and Manchester United but they managed to emerge victorious. Some fans have gone a step further and claim to be tracking the car that is supposed to take the defender to the Gunners training ground.
The Brazilian will become the second singing of the summer after his countryman Willian joined from rivals Chelsea on a free transfer. Gabriel is a centre-back that is strong in the air and comfortable on the ball. Being left-footed, he will open new avenues for Arsenal in building their attack.
Having other Brazilians such as David Luiz, Willian and Gabriel Martinelli should make it easier for him to settle down in London. It is important for the North London club to get as much business done as possible before the season begins.
Gabriel is at the right stage to make a move on and fans will be hoping that he will be able to replicate the performances of his former teammate Nicolas Pepe who came to the Emirates last summer. Getting him ahead of clubs such as Napoli and Manchester United is a real coup for the club.
The Gunners will be taking on Premier League champions Liverpool in the Community Shield on August 29th. Mikel Arteta will want to continue his trophy winning ways after winning the FA Cup.
